JULY 2, 2020
“The World is Unpredictable” is an often overused statement but is SO true. These are changing times in our world and some of us are not ready or accepting of any changes in our lives. If you have learned to live your life with a firm foundation (something that will last forever) you will more than likely be able to weather most of life’s inevitable storms. If you are seeking worldly things, none of them will last forever. Yes, you may be able to enjoy them for a while but when the storm comes and washes them away, are you able to rebuild and move forward? If so, you had better build on high ground and solid rock. Look up at the stars that are always there to guide us rather than looking down into a sea of uncertain waves of life. Try thinking eternally as that is really what will guide you into living a principled life.
In recent remarks we have talked about foundational issues of Faith, Family and our Career. (Make work an admirable trait) All are important in living a principled and foundational life. I can only pray that you have chosen to begin (it is never too late) to build your house (your life) on a solid foundation of unyielding rock rather than uncertain shifting sands that will provide no sure support. Who is your rock? For some of you it may be your spouse, your parents, a co-worker, a friend, or maybe even yourself. All are great partners in life and will bring us laughter, joy and yes, even some pain and disappointment. But none of them (or us) last forever on this earth. The world is too unpredictable so you need a higher power you can count on forever.
We often talk about being successful at something. Building a career, a marriage, a family, a relationship or being good at sports, writing or speaking. What does success mean to you? Only YOUR definition of success matters to God. (Nobody else really cares that much anyway) You will need HIM to help you along your path. I am convinced that we can attain true success in life only if we first understand the things that never change. Those principles that last forever. We can use them as our reference points for moving forward productively through life’s uncertainties. Hopefully you will see that Faith is foundational for your success with your family and your career. Once you have a good handle on your faith, commit yourself to playing life well by bringing them into your family and career life. Be intentional about it. Here are a few principles to commit to: (if you are interested)
- Wisdom: Making good choices in life requires input from others. Learn from other’s successes and failures. But don’t go alone.
- Self-Mastery: Plowing through life without a compass can be an adventure. But it will always lead to loss and failure unless you build a strong foundational relationship with help from others and from God.
- Courage: Most of us think we have courage until a storm hits. Life is full of risks, rewards, and opportunities. Be strong but wise in how you live. Life is difficult but life is still good.
- Love: I agree that more love makes the world go better. Think of love as being goodness and truth. Recognize God’s beauty in all things.
- Gratitude: Don’t take anyone or anything for granted. God doesn’t promise us an easy life but he allows us to choose those friends and family to live here with us. Treat them well. Remember, HE promises us that we can live eternally with him if we choose. Choose wisely.
As I write this remark today, (June 30th) it just happens to be my earthly father’s 98th birthday. (Happy Birthday Dad) While on this earth, he was my rock but he gave me a strong foundation to live well. He lived out his faith, love of family and just happened to be a great teacher to many. He continues to guide me daily.
I hope you can take a moment to honor someone who was and is YOUR rock and that showed you the truth, beauty, and goodness of this world. Remember, they love you more than you will ever know and understand. Just the way God loves you. Go build yourself a good life. It is never too late to start. Prepare for an eternity with those principles that last forever.
Elevator Guy